Cycling: Im first part of our team preview We reported on the Tour de France, among other things, about Bora-hansgrohe and BMC. This second part is about Lotto Soudal, Movistar and five other teams. What are your goals for the 104th Tour de France?
Here is the first part of our team preview for the Tour de France 2017
Dimension Data: How fit is Mark Cavendish?
At last year's Tour de France, Team Dimension Data was probably the most positive surprise of the entire three weeks. Mark Cavendish was able to win several sections. Will he be able to do that again this year? Rather unlikely. Not only because the Briton has become a year older again. But also because Mark Cavendish has been out for a long time because of glandular fever. But what remains if we look at Team Dimension Data without Mark Cavendish? There's Norway's Edvald Boasson Hagen, who is now too slow to win in a bunch sprint but could well be an option in a smaller group on a hillier stage. Stephen Cummings and Serge Pauwels could sneak into the escape group at various stages and work there for a successful get through. Should Cavendish fail, Mark Renshaw could follow in his footsteps. So far in his career, however, the Australian has been more convincing as a starter than as a finishing sprinter.
Direct Energie: Chasing stages without Bryan Coquard
The most notable non-nomination this year undoubtedly comes from Team Direct Energie. The French team will compete without Bryan Coquard. The sprinter has to stay at home after disagreements with his employer and leave the team at the end of the year. Direct energy will probably not play a role in the mass sprints. This means that the nine pros can fully concentrate on chasing the stages via breakaway attempts. Because we can't even make out a classification driver in the 9-man squad. With the two old hands Sylvain Chavanel and Thomas Voeckler, Direct Energie has two drivers in its own ranks who are known for their breakaway attempts. Also Romain Sicard, Lilian Calmejane and Yohann Gene are always good for an escape. Adrien Petit will try his luck in the bunch sprints.
FDJ: Démare for the sprints & Pinot for the mountains
A lot has happened at Team FDJ in recent years. The French team used to be known for numerous escape attempts. In the meantime, the sports directors have trumps in their hands in almost every area. In the mass sprints, you have a promising candidate in your own ranks in Arnaud Démare. With Jacopo Guarnieri and Davide Cimolai, he has two fast men at his side. Arthur Vichot is to be reckoned with on undulating terrain, while Thibaut Pinot is the man for the mountains. It is questionable for Thibaut Pinot whether he will concentrate on the overall standings, want to go hunting for stages or aim for the mountain jersey. This decision will probably only be made in the course of the Tour de France.
Fortuneo-Vital Concept: Nine stage hunters ensure exercise
Thanks to a wild card, the Fortuneo-Vital Concept team qualified for the Tour de France again this year. In the previous participations, the spectators could see that the team in the peloton always provided a lot of movement. Especially on flat terrain we will hardly see a stage where there is a breakaway group without the participation of Fortuneo-Vital Concept. Maxime Bouet and Brice Feillu will be looking for a stage win in the mountains. In mass sprints and in the overall standings, the Fortuneo-Vital Concept team probably doesn't play a role.
Lotto Soudal: As always, André Greipel leads the squad
Lotto Soudal has been pursuing the same goals in the Tour de France for several years. At the top is André Greipel, who is supposed to ensure stage victories in the mass sprints. The green jersey is a dream, but the competition in the person of Peter Sagan is probably too big this year. There are also a few riders in the team who can ensure success on hilly or even mountainous terrain. Tony Gallopin, Tim Wellens and Thomas De Gendt should be mentioned in this regard. Stage wins seem to be firmly booked for the Lotto Soudal team. Whether Thomas De Gendt will just focus on that is uncertain. It could well be that the Belgian is also hoping for a good place in the overall standings or would like to attack in the mountains classification.
Movistar: How dangerous is the Quintana/Valverde duo?
As every year, the Movistar team is entering the Tour de France with a top team. This is not only due to the double leadership of Nairo Quintana and Alejandro Valverde, but also to the large number of helpers. In top form, Andrey Amador and Carlos Betancur would have what it takes to captain other teams. Jasha Sütterlin and Jonathan Castroviejo are top-notch speed guns on flat terrain. They can also ensure success in the time trials. The strong squad is completed by Jesus Herrada, Imanol Erviti and Daniele Bennati. Movistar is definitely not lacking in experience and quality this year either. But how strong will Nairo Quintana be after the Giro d'Italia?
Orica-Scott: Hope rests on Esteban Chaves
It is not surprising that there are nine well-known drivers in the Orica-Scott team. The team is one of those where almost all drivers in the squad will be given their freedom. As in every year, the ultimate goal is to win the stages. But for some time now there have also been professionals in the squad who could play a role in the overall standings. With Simon Yates, Roman Kreuziger and above all Esteban Chaves, three potential top ten candidates were appointed to the team for the Tour de France. However, there are big question marks behind Esteban Chaves. After a long injury break, the little Colombian made his comeback at the Critérium du Dauphiné. There he only finished 26th.
